family photos

On Friday, we went to a wedding in Nairobi.  We don't get an opportunity to dress up all that much -- Dexter wears scrubs to work every day, and I'm usually in "house clothes" (clothes I don't mind getting spit up on) all week.  It felt fancy to put on a skirt!

And since we arrived for the 10:00 AM wedding 30 minutes late, which turned out to be an hour and a half early (ah, Kenya...) I took the opportunity to snap some photos of us all cleaned up.  Plus, Grandma has demanded a family photo with a smiling Kyalo.  I think these should satisfy her for a few days. . .

{Papa and Kyalo}

{Mama & Kyalo}

 {does he look like he means it?}

{we clean up pretty good, huh?}

Kyalo is very expressive and I love when I can capture a particularly precious shot.  He is non-stop movement, too, so it is difficult to get one in focus!  These photos here are the best of the crop.  

Now, Grandma, are you happy?

a big day

Today, our chunky monkey was weighed. . .

7.2 kgs! {15.87 lbs}

and measured...except that he measured in 3 cms less than where he was in June, so call me crazy, but I didn't think that was right.  They did it again, and came out the same as it was in June (60 cms, 23.6 inches).  I didn't want to push it, but my mama's instinct tells me that something is still a little off. 

In addition to the rather puzzling time at the doctor's, Kyalo officially became an American citizen today, and has the passport to prove it!

{the newest American}

The passport came just in time as we travel on Saturday to the US. Phew!  Say a prayer for us as we make the journey alone. I'm especially praying and hoping for sympathetic seat-mates who don't mind a baby nearby.

four months

Today Kyalo turns four months!

Why, that's certainly something to smile about.

Kyalo will get weighed (and we'll hope) measured on Monday.  He was 6.5 kgs {14.33 pounds} on July 11. My guess is that he's 7.5 - 8 kgs (around 17.5 pounds) now. He's one heavy dude! We are grateful for his continued good health and good growth.  He brings us so much joy. 

And now, for a few more photos:

sitting pretty in the rocking chair

 fingers are yummy

pondering life's great mysteries

 afternoon reading with papa

He always looks a little puzzled or perplexed to me in his photos.  Makes me wonder what's going on in his mind.  

It has been a wonderful four months!

smiles

I've mentioned before that Kyalo smiles all the time, but rarely for the camera.  Today, we got some smiles on camera!  He has this great chair that he has a love-hate relationship with.  It can give me anywhere from 5-20 minutes to get things done, like a sink full of dishes, dinner prep, or in today's case, hanging a load of laundry.  I bundled him up against the cold and brought the chair outside with me, and then worked as quick as possible. He was looking so cute, I had to snap a few shots, and was rewarded with some good smiles!

{bundled up}

 {smirk}

It is good I have these photos of him looking so cute while he smiles...I need the reminder as he was screaming his head off about ten minutes later! Phew.

reunion

When I was first in Kijabe, I joined a Bible Study that was filled with Medical Officers (doctors right out of medical school) who became some of my best friends.  The year and a half that I was there, we had a lot of good times together: meals, times of singing and sharing, lots of laughter, and games.

Times have changed since then.  As my friend Erica says, the Bible Study is a revolving door -- when one person leaves, a new person comes in.  Some of the original members have moved on, but there are plenty now to replace them!  Most are Orthopedic Surgeons.  You would be impressed to see how often they can apply "I had this patient. . ." to scripture!  I've learned a lot about Orthopedics over the years.

Even though there are new people now, I decided it was time to gather the ones who were in the Bible Study when I first arrived.  Even though we all live within an hour of each other, we hadn't seen everyone for well over a year.  It was high time!

Plus, I'm always looking for an excuse to have a BBQ!

 {meat...burgers, sausages, pork chops.  It was a goat-free affair}

 {men & meat go hand in hand}

{the spread}

The men, Francis, Nyabz, Edward and Dexter, handled the meat while the women -- me, Sarah, Nikki, and Evelyn, handled the babies and other food.  It was a good division of labor.  As usual, I didn't get as many pictures as I had intended, but here are a few more from the day.

  

{Nyabz & Nikki and their daughter Naima, almost 3}

 

Six years ago, none of us were married, and some of us hadn't even met our future spouse. (Me! Dexter joined the Bible Study later).  Things certainly have changed! Also six years ago most were "just" doctors, and now they're all in some kind of masters program or residency.  Edward and I are the only non-medical people of the group!

On Sunday morning, we all had breakfast together (except Sarah & Edward who'd left the night before to go take care of their dog!), and I took the opportunity to get some more photos of everyone.  

I'd just woken Kyalo from a nap so we could go to church. I'm not sure he really woke up, though.

All in all, it was a great time reconnecting with great friends! I hope we'll get together more frequently in the future.

finished product

The rocking chair is complete! Dexter has given it a whole new life...which is pretty good considering it is probably 20 years old or more.  It looks so very different from where it began, but I like it!

It was a lot more work than I anticipated, and I didn't even do anything. I did help a bit...stretching fabric when asked. But mostly, I took the pictures.

There was sanding...

 

there are the birds again!

Kyalo supervised:

(argh! still can't get side-by-side photos! help!?)

It was painted:

and new sponge added...

then it was tested...

(Kyalo looks a little uncertain)

and, then, it was finished!

{ta da!}

So to remind you:

Quite a difference, eh?